INFJ functions (A complete guide)

The blog is about INFJ functions. It is going to further define what an INFJ means, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of an INFJ after discussing the INFJ functions in detail. 

What are the cognitive functions of an INFJ?

• Dominant introverted intuition
• Auxiliary extroverted feeling
• Tertiary introverted thinking
• Inferior extraverted sensing

“knowing your darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of others.” – Carl Jung, INFJ

Dominant: Introverted Intuition

INFJs tend to use this function to perceive their inner world and focus more on their internal insights. With this function, they can receive, store, and apply information.

They are loyal to their intuition and it becomes difficult to change their minds about something, as a result, are sometimes judged as being stubborn and unyielding

This function also strives to look for the deeper meaning and hidden patterns and trends

With this function, INFJs are likely to foresee implications and results. This is because they look at situations from several aspects

They also tend to read between- the- lines looking beyond the visible facts by looking for symbolism and importance beneath the reality

Auxiliary: Extroverted Feeling

This is the extroverted function and commonly used by INFJs to interact with the outside world making INFJs more conscious about other peoples’ feelings and emotions while forgetting about their own emotions. 

It can also act as a medium through which they receive information from the outside world.

They are more concerned about how others view them and do not want to disappoint others or cause pain that’s why they struggle to say no to people’s requests.

INFJs may tend to be welcoming, loyal, and self-sacrificing, being introverts, they struggle to balance between their needs and those of others.

They always try and create a harmonious and comfortable environment for others

“if you truly and completely understand another human being, the only emotional response you can have is compassion.” – Unknown 

Tertiary: Introverted Thinking

They make their logical decisions basing on their internal insights, ideas, and theories. It also enables them to understand connections made outside of the conscious dominion

This function also enables them to think more critically and analytically

INFJs primarily apply their introverted intuition and extroverted feeling while making decisions, especially when around people and when they are in their own space, they apply introverted thinking.

Under stressful conditions, INFJ individuals apply emotions while making decisions and in less stressful conditions, they apply intuition in making decisions.

Inferior: Extraverted Sensing

This is the last function does not have much of an impact and is a largely unconscious aspect of the INFJ

This function makes an INFJ is mindful of the people and his surrounding

This function enables an INFJ to concentrate more on the present than the future

With this function, they can grow and physically participate in different activities like hiking even though the INFJs may view this as stressful and overwhelming

What is INFJ?

INFJ according to Myers- Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can be translated to mean (introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging). 

Persons with this personality type have creative, gentle, caring qualities. They are highly idealistic and sensitive, always contemplating the meaning of life while thinking about the future.

Due to the qualities they possess, they are sometimes known as the “Advocate” or the “Idealistic”

They are very few people that exhibit this personality type and three percent of the population are INFJs.

They are the idealists who strive to see change, translate their ideas into actions rather than just preaching about it

INFJ is the opposite of the ESTP personality type.

What are the major characteristics of an INFJ?

INFJs are honest, outspoken, and empathetic due to their emotional ways of understanding others. They also strongly believe in their intuition and can act rationally, decisively in getting want they want

They are introverts therefore most of the times, they are in their own company recharging new ideas, but if they mean to trust people in their spaces, they tend to form strong and meaningful connections 

With their idealism quality, INFJs are always striving to make a better place for others through taking actions rather than the word of mouth.

They are also decision-makers in nature while deciding. INFJs put so much attention on personal issues rather than objective plans.

What are the weaknesses and strengths of an INFJ?

Strengths:

• INFJs are empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others
• They are introverts who are reserved
• INFJs tend to be so creative and artistic
• They sometimes plan and focus more on the future
• INFJs usually value those who are close and hold deep relationships
• They are always thinking and trying to understand the meaning of life
• They are idealistic individuals.

Weaknesses:

• They tend to be overly sensitive
• INFJs are difficult to understand
• They tend to be high expectations in their beliefs
• They are stubborn
• Do not like conflicts or confrontations

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Which celebrities are INFJs?

• Oprah Winfrey, television personality
• Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights activists 
• Atticus Finch, To kill a Mockingbird
• Carl Jung, Psychoanalyst
• Taylor Swift, musician

What are some of the INFJs careers?

Some of the popular careers INFJ careers are.

• Artist 
• Actor
• Entrepreneur
• Religious worker 
• Musician
• Librarian 
• Counselor 
• Psychologist
• Writer
• Teacher
• Photographer 

Conclusion

The blog is all about INFJ functions and under which several questions relating to the topic of the blog have been explained to better understand the blog 

Frequently asked questions: What are INFJ Functions?

References:

Understanding INFJ darkness: Getting to know the INFJs shadow Functions; https://www.psychologyjunkie.com

Why INFJs are both thinkers and feelers; https://www.truity.com

NiFe (INFJ) – Type in Mind; https://www.typeinmind